When I go on vacation, I have to arrange for babysitting cat.
However, I don't always have someone I trust and who is available.
So I became interested in economical pet sitting solutions to go on vacation with peace of mind.
On the Internet there are many initiatives and different sites that allow you to keep your pet. Here are the most interesting:
Cathy has already explained it to us here. House-sitting is an alternative increasingly used by individuals to have their house watched for free on vacation.
It is natural that some sites offer home exchange with pet sitting, such as Anihomesitting.
Not only do netizens swap homes for the holidays, but they also take care of pets. Cost:€0.
In addition, through classified ads or Internet pages, pensioners offer to take care of animals for free during the holidays, at my place. Cost:€0.
I can still contribute to the travel expenses of the volunteer or bring him a souvenir.
House-sitting can be paid. Sites like this are aimed at retirees.
These, to make ends meet, undertake to help by taking care of the animals.
Cost:from 0 to around €15 per day .
The pet-sitter or dog-sitter is a person who comes to my house to take care of my pet, take it for walks, feed it, change the litter...
I choose my à la carte services:frequency and duration of visits, duration of walks... The pet-sitter must respect my requests.
The professional dog-sitter must hold a certificate of animal capacity and specific civil liability insurance.
However, many individuals offer their services, whether they are animal lovers or need to earn a little money.
I can find a pet-sitter on the Internet.
Especially on animal protection sites such as 30 Millions d'Amis or on specialized sites or at my veterinarian's...
Many veterinary students practice this activity and offer their services in the local classifieds.
Average cost:€10 to €20 per day (depending on the breed and size of the animal, the number of visits...).
Recently, Internet owners and animal enthusiasts have been able to get in touch to offer to exchange custody of their animals during the holidays.
The animal stays free with its keeper (and the latter's animals)...
It is up to its owners to do the same for the guardian's animal when it leaves in turn.
The Animal-futé site requires a membership, 30 € per year, 5 € for NAC (New Pets).
We register and we write an advertisement valid for one year presenting our animal.
Once the membership has been paid, you have access to the ads.
We can contact other pet owners and decide whether or not to conclude the exchange of custody.
Cost:€10 to €30 (membership).
It is also possible to entrust Minou or Toutou to a host family for a fee.
Here again, websites like this put masters and host families in contact.
The advertisements specify if the accommodation has a garden or not, if there are children, other animals...
Cost:approximately €10 to €25 per day, depending on the size and breed of the animal.
Less idyllic for the animal than home or family care, the kennel offers "wholesale" care.
The animals are distributed in the evening in boxes.
On the other hand, veterinarians check the animals, and the kennels are subject to strict legislation.
Depending on the size and breed of my animal, and the desired services (daily walks, food provided by the shelter or not...)...
It will cost me 10 to 20 € per day.
If I choose my kennel well, Médor will have room to exercise and friends to play with.
To find a kennel near you, I suggest this link.
In order for the childcare to go as smoothly as possible, I am thinking of these few points:
Whatever the mode of care chosen, I advise you before starting, to meet beforehand the person who will take care of Médor or Félix.
The best is to see it at least twice, including once in the presence of your animal. It is necessary that the current flow.
Home care is ideal for animals that are fearful, stressed, old and/or have health problems.
Professional babysitters are required to be insured.
If you go through a private individual, check with your multi-risk home insurer to what extent your animals are covered...
Especially in the event of an injury inflicted on the goalkeeper!
It is recommended to sign a custody contract. Templates like this are available on various internet portals.
I do not forget to leave food (especially in case of specific diet), litter in reserve.
I am also thinking of any medication or toys, as well as the animal's health record and the contact details of its veterinarian.
Daycare prices generally do not include food and consumables such as bedding.
I also leave a number where I can be reached in case of emergency.
Most pet sitter sites are only intended to connect pet owners and sitters.
And they are not responsible for the pet sitter and any trouble they may cause.
For all intents and purposes, in France animal abandonment can be sentenced to up to 2 years in prison and a fine of €30,000.
My cat being old and stressed, I generally manage with my relatives.
